Man Utd stars in Toon firing line

Toon fans can aim their golf balls at a Ronaldo cut-out

Newcastle United fans have been given the chance to vent their frustration by hitting golf balls at Manchester United players before the two clubs meet.

A golf course on Tyneside has placed life-sized cut-outs of six United players in its driving range.

The stars in the firing line include, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Edwin Van der Sar.

The idea came from Parklands Golf Course in Gosforth, ahead of the league meeting on 23 February.

'Light-hearted'

The dummies have been placed at 100m, 150m and 200m intervals on the range.

David King, Parklands manager, said: "The return of Kevin Keegan has reminded Newcastle fans - as if any reminder were needed - of how Manchester United pipped us for the Premiership title in 1996.

"Putting the dummies up on the driving range is a light-hearted way of letting Newcastle supporters release some tension in the days running up to the match."

The dummies will be kept after the game and will be re-used to display other teams' players.

"They will be no doubt be pressed into action again when feelings are running particularly high," added Mr King.